[Kunaisoul]

Originally Posted by spade

This was not how a leader was. A leader was someone who comforted his cats, not the other way around. Immediately snapping back to reality, Kestrelstar blinked away the momentary grief and sorrow in exchange for scooting over to his apprentice. He was never good at the touchy stuff, but bent down to swipe his tongue atop her forehead. "You're going to make an excellent warrior," he admitted, hoping that he wouldn't regret giving such a new apprentice that big of a compliment. Usually, he was one to wait until their warrior ceremony to say anything.

"Their deaths... cannot go without proper justice. However I must separate my own feelings from what's best for RiverClan - and that means avoiding unnecessary blood spill." Did he even agree with that? The words sounded fake as they rolled off his tongue. He was still mad, and hurt, and stars recent events had not helped. "But you don't need to worry. As long as I lead RiverClan, you're safe. You will be able to defend yourself. Which, speaking of, we should get started on bulking up your training." Yes, that would help both of them. He glanced down at her. "Would you be up for some right now?"

Watching the exchange between his apprentice and the elder calmed his anxiety a bit. Kestrelstar didn't necessarily agree with apprentices spending all their time in the elders' den, but he figured this would be alright. "Thank you, Nightpaw. You can go ahead and follow Firetail back to the elders den if you wish," he informed both of them, giving a flick of his tail to dismiss them.

She smiled and walked away.
@Oakpaw1